Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, what we've been seeing for some time is a major initiative from the Department of Education, Culture and Employment in terms of the roll-out of the junior kindergarten initiative. I'm seeking some clarity and trying to give an opportunity to the Minister to provide some answers that could be very resolute, and given the confidence that this is going to go forward despite the ongoing issues and concerns.
My first question is: can the Minister immediately follow up with the chief and council at the Hay River Reserve to make sure they are appropriately included in all future discussions on JK? Mahsi.
Masi. Minister of Education, Culture and Employment.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I believe staff from my department had met on November 29th with the Aboriginal Head Start staff, staff at the K'atlodeeche School, as well as the school principal. I myself wrote a letter to the chief of K'atlodeeche First Nation and had asked him if he wanted to meet to address some of the concerns that he was asking. I believe I sent that letter out last month in January. I can look at the date again and see if we can set up a meeting.
My second question is: what are the current pupil/teacher ratios at the Chief Sunrise and Deh Gah Schools?
I don't have that detailed information in front of me right now, but I can commit that I'll get that information and I will share it with the Member.
This is my final question: how is the department ensuring that boards, education councils and education authorities are being kept up-to-date with all the recent changes so that these organizations can keep parents up-to-date?
As soon as the Budget Address was completed last week, our staff made phone calls to all the superintendents and was working out a plan moving forward. Of course, with the new funding that was announced, we're going to want to meet and talk with all the school boards and have them present information to parents as well. We, as a department, are going to be sending out letters to all parents as well who have junior kindergarten students, as well as information packages.
Oral questions. Member for Yellowknife Centre.
